Backwoods MamaFamily Hike

Hiking Spion Kop with Kids in Lake Country, BC

Hiking Spion Kop with Kids in Lake Country, BC

Spion Kop is Dutch for "look out hill" and for good reason. This large area of Crown Land in Lake Country, BC overlooks Okanagan Lake, Ellison Lake, Wood Lake, Kalamalka Lake, Lake Country, Kelowna and beyond. With such fabulous views of the Okanagan Valley it's no...

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Hiking Mount Boucherie: Eain Lamont Park Entrance

Hiking Mount Boucherie: Eain Lamont Park Entrance

Mount Boucherie is a unique mountain located in the heart of West Kelowna, BC. It's tan, grey and pink bluffs and unique rock formations give us clues of a once tumultuous past. A very long time ago Mount Boucherie was a towering volcano! Over time this volcano...

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Mill Creek Regional Park

Mill Creek Regional Park

UPDATE! SPRING 2017: MILL CREEK REGIONAL PARK IS CLOSED. Due to extensive flooding damage to this park, it is closed. A recovery plan is being prepared but until repairs have been completed the trail will remain closed for the remainder of 2017 and well into 2018. ...

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Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park: Interpretive Trail

Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park: Interpretive Trail

The chilly arctic front has finally retreated and been replaced with warmer temperatures (relatively speaking of course). The warmer weather has made a mess of the roads but it's been perfect for winter hiking. Usually we reserve the winter months for skiing, skating...

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Exploring Deep Cove and Quarry Rock Trail

Exploring Deep Cove and Quarry Rock Trail

Deep Cove wasn't on my list of places to visit but our neighbours encouraged us to go explore the area and I'm so glad they did. The quaint community of Deep Cove is nestled in a small bay on the eastern edge of North Vancouver. When we arrived in Deep Cove there were...

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Exploring Lynn Canyon Park

Exploring Lynn Canyon Park

Lynn Canyon Park is located in North Vancouver, BC. This park has various trails and bridges that explore Lynn Canyon and the surrounding rainforest offering exciting views of the area. When we arrived at Lynn Canyon Park it was bustling. We were lucky to find a...

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Hiking Giant’s Head Mountain

Hiking Giant’s Head Mountain

Giant’s Head Mountain Park is a volcanic dome remnant located in the heart of Summerland, BC. The peak of this prominent geological feature offers a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the Okanagan valley making it a favourite spot among locals and tourists for...

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Hiking at Yellow Lake

Hiking at Yellow Lake

Yellow Lake is located 14 km west on Highway 3A from the Okanagan Highway 97 junction near Kaleden, BC. It is 27 km south-west from Penticton and 20km north-west from Okanagan Falls, BC. The lake is a good spot for shore fishing and is well stocked with trout making...

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Flowers and Snails

Flowers and Snails

We have had below average temperatures in the Okanagan for the first part of July. Usually at this time of year we spend our time on the beach and avoid hiking because it is sweltering hot. However, this cooler weather has been perfect for hiking adventures. We...

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Ellis Creek: Canyon View Trail

Ellis Creek: Canyon View Trail

Ellis Creek Canyon is located on the east side of Penticton, BC. The creek is named after Thomas Ellis who was the first European immigrant to arrive in the Penticton area in 1865. There are several trails along the canyon ridge and another trail along the canyon...

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Hiking Mount Kobau: Testalinden Trail

Hiking Mount Kobau: Testalinden Trail

UPDATE! The Mount Kobau Testalinden Trail no longer exists. The trail was re-routed and is now the Chopaka Lookout Trail. Click the link below for more information about this beautiful trail: Hiking Mount Kobau: The (New) Chopaka Lookout Trail. UPDATE! The Mount Kobau...

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Hiking McIntyre Bluff

Hiking McIntyre Bluff

UPDATE 2023: It has come to my attention that the Covert Farm access to this hike has been closed. There is a second access at another location but this entrance crosses private property and is also closed to the public. Unfortunately this means that the McIntyre...

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Hiking Peach Cliff in Okanagan Falls, BC

Hiking Peach Cliff in Okanagan Falls, BC

NOTICE - September 2017: Due to people taking their ATVs on this trail and destroying the area, the landowners have built a new fence at the trailhead. There is still a narrow walk-through gate for...

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Kids Benefit from Revisiting Hikes

Kids Benefit from Revisiting Hikes

Over the last month we have been exploring hikes and nature parks in the central and south areas of the Okanagan. Some of these hikes are new to us, like Giant's Head Mountain Park and Knox Mountain, while others, like Naramata Creek Park, are favourites that we...

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Spring in the South Okanagan

Spring in the South Okanagan

Spring has truly arrived in the South Okanagan of British Columbia. Over the past weekend we had deliciously warm and sunny weather with temperatures soaring to 23°C, a record in these parts for this time of year. Yet, spring is a fickle season and it likes to tease...

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